Jonathan didn’t approve $2.1bn arms deal money for campaigns – Magu

Former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has explained why ex-President Goodluck Jonathan was not invited for questioning over the controversial $2.1bn arms deal.

According to Magu, EFCC records showed that the money involved was “not officially approved for campaign purposes,” based on memos and documents reviewed by investigators.

This revelation appears in a book titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, written by Dr Charles Omole and launched at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The book details the life of the late former president, his time in the military, and his political career.

Omole wrote that the handling of the arms funds caused serious tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with several party leaders invited for questioning over alleged diversion of public money.

He noted that power struggles within government made some observers see former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, as a “co-president” alongside Jonathan.

“Tensions reportedly simmered between NSA Dasuki and Defence Minister Aliyu Gusau as procurement authority and other vital functions gravitated to the NSA, leading some to see Dasuki as a ‘co-president’ alongside Jonathan,” Omole wrote.

The book also claims that the investigations unsettled top PDP figures. Former PDP national chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, was said to have gone into hiding, while then party spokesman Olisa Metuh allegedly refused to return N400m paid to a company linked to him.

“By January, former PDP national chairman Adamu Mu’azu was wanted for questioning but was in hiding.

Former PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh… said he would rather starve than refund it; he was arrested,” Omole stated.

Other figures mentioned include former NIMASA boss Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was arrested, jumped bail, and later rearrested.

Six PDP zonal chairmen reportedly claimed they did not know the source of campaign funds they received.

Omole said Magu later clarified that Jonathan was not invited because investigation documents did not link him directly to campaign approval.

“He (Magu) lamented how well-funded legal defences stall cases, politicians who steal ‘N10bn keep N5bn for litigation,’ hire senior advocates, and exploit any investigative gaps.”

The book adds that many senior PDP members accused the EFCC of witch-hunting as case files continued to pile up.

Omole further revealed that President Buhari ordered the EFCC to investigate 17 serving and retired military officers following recommendations by the Military Procurement Audit Committee.

Several Air Force officers were questioned, including the late Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who was later charged with money laundering and corruption, including allegations of using N1.4 billion in Air Force funds to buy a mansion in Abuja.

The audit committee’s second report also flagged 21 companies for EFCC investigation over questionable contracts linked to the Air Force and the NSA, citing unclear costs and transfers of public funds for unidentified purposes.